The Lamb

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas down the street and around the corner, but not at my house—not yet.  The Thanksgiving flag still flies by the front door and laundry sits in the living room where the Christmas tree should stand.  However, the wall by the kitchen does boast an Advent calendar

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I made a special trip to the attic last night to bring it down because presents can wait to be wrapped and wreaths can wait to be hung, but calendars cannot wait to be counted down

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“We have to be diligent about it this year,” my daughter announced with a sincere smile that encouraged our family not to miss any days gathering in the hallway, praying together, and placing the appropriate piece of nativity onto the picture.

Behind the first small door was a little lamb.  It looks a bit lonely as the only member of the manger scene stuck to the stable backdrop, but it’s a start.  

As I thought about that solitary sheep, I wondered what Christmas would be like if we stopped right there?  Would it be enough?  Depends on how you look at it.  If you see the sheep as a decoration, then much more is most necessary, but if you see the sheep as a symbol of sacrifice, no more is needed. The story is complete.

Christmas is because One came who was willing to give His all.

“Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world”(Jn 1:29).